Information and discussion regarding garden diseases, insects and other unwelcome critters.
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June 5, 2011 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: zone 5b northwest connecticut
Posts: 2,570
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do your cabbage plants wilt and die?
if so it is most likely cabbage root maggots. years ago i found that 1 watering with wood ash will kill them and your plants will return to full health immediately! i had the problem again a week ago so i should have posted then as i assume that's the time these are a problem at this latitude and earlier south of me.
i put about 1/3 cup of shifted wood ashes into a watering can and fill it with 2 gallons of water for 4 to 8 plants. i try not to get the leaves wet cuz i am not sure if it burns the leaves. water the base of the plant and that's all you need to do. while this will sweeten the soil (raise the ph) the plants don't seem to object, can't recall their ph requirement probably 6.4 to 7.0 but it never has hurt them. 2 gallons would probably do 10 plants as the solution only needs to wet the roots and that kills the maggots. i've had large cabbage varieties with leaves on the ground it was so bad and they recovered. i now grow gonzales, a mini variety. they will be fine and then one day the leaves are wilting by mid day and i know it is time for the wood ash treatment. if you heat with wood or have a fireplace you should save some ashes for this or find someone that does. i dump 2 32 gallon trash cans of wood ashes each winter! yes, i heat the house with wood. DO NOT USE ashes from COAL as they are TOXIC! tom
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June 5, 2011 | #2 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: zone 6b, PA
Posts: 5,664
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Quote:
kath |
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June 5, 2011 | #3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Des Moines, WA.
Posts: 358
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Tom,
Not to hijack this thread but are root maggots the same little white worms that are ruining my radishes?? Len
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There's a fine line between gardening and madness. |
June 5, 2011 | #4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lexington, Ky
Posts: 93
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Troad, I believe I'm safe in telling you yes, they are the same. The common name for them is seed corn maggots, and they are a terrible pest. I have had them destroy many large seeded crops, get in my potatoes, and eat the roots of onions, cabbage, etc. Here's a link to give further info.....
http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/seedmag.htm |
June 6, 2011 | #5 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Dallas
Posts: 344
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Quote:
I'll have to remember this tip. |
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June 6, 2011 | #6 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: zone 5b northwest connecticut
Posts: 2,570
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Quote:
tom
__________________
I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night He’s gotta be strong And he’s gotta be fast And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light He’s gotta be sure And it’s gotta be soon And he’s gotta be larger than life |
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June 6, 2011 | #7 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: zone 6b, PA
Posts: 5,664
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Quote:
Thanks, tom- actually, they've been fine now for a couple days as we've had cooler weather. Starting tomorrow it's supposed to be HOT, so I'll keep an eye on them and if any seem like they're going down, I'll give it a try. kath |
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